Akwa Ibom Food Festival 2025 will showcase 156 local delicacies, boost tourism, and unite communities in a five-day celebration of culture and cuisine

The Akwa Ibom Food Festival 2025 is set to make history as over 156 local delicacies will be showcased in Uyo from November 18 to 22, celebrating the state’s rich culinary heritage and promoting food tourism.

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Announcing the event at a press conference in Uyo, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Anieti Udofia, said the festival aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s Arise Agenda to position tourism as a key driver of economic growth.

According to Udofia, the festival will bring together traditional cuisines such as Afang, Edikang Ikong, Ekpang Nkukwo, Ndise, Otor Iwa, Ukana, and Ikpong, among others.

“The food festival will expose Akwa Ibom’s rich cuisines to the world and encourage local farmers to grow more indigenous crops,” he said.

The Coordinator and Convener of the festival, Mr Ukpong Umoh, under the De-Noahua Enterprise brand, described the event’s theme as “Optimising Our Cuisines, Tourism, Taste and Economy.”

He noted that the initiative aims to bridge the gap between local farmers, chefs, and the food processing industry while encouraging compliance with global best practices.

Umoh highlighted that neglecting local cuisines and producers has contributed to food shortages nationwide.

“Many in the food industry have turned to promoting foreign recipes at the expense of our indigenous flavours,” he said, stressing that the festival seeks to revive interest in native dishes and the agricultural value chain.

He revealed that the 2025 edition aims to attract over five million visitors, with participation from all local government areas expected.

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“Corporate stakeholders are encouraged to bring their teams and communities to share in this celebration of Akwa Ibom’s culinary identity,” he added.